Annointing of the sick

"The people also gathered from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and those afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed." Acts 5:16

A Catholic should request the sacrament whenever a serious illness occurs and also prior to surgeries, which always carry a certain risk of complications. It may be administered only by a priest (or bishop), and it brings with it special blessings to those who receive it reverently, in addition to its power to bring healing, including the forgiveness of all past sins.